Blue Jays 2024 Player Review: Bowden Francis broke out after the trade deadline

Bowden Francis’ second half was historic and he positioned himself as a key piece to the Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 rotation.

Of all the areas the Blue Jays need to upgrade this season, starting pitching is the least of their concerns. While they may add a left-handed pitcher to the rotation, they have five solid starters in José Berríos, Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, Yariel Rodríguez and Bowden Francis under contract in 2025.

Additionally, while the bullpen took a huge step back in 2024 and their bats were listless at points during the season, the starting rotation had a similar year to the 2023 season.

That said, let’s take a look at how well Bowden Francis pitched last season.

Bowden Francis in 2024…

ERA: 3.30

Innings pitched: 103.2

fWAR: 1

FIP: 4.36

Result: 92

Walks: 22

K%: 22.5%

BB%: 5.4%

WHIP: 0.93

Salary: $748,000

Francis made the rotation to start the season, but gave up 12 runs in 8.1 innings pitched for a 12.96 ERA and an 8.33 FIP. After his second game, the Jays returned him to the role he had in 2023: a bulk reliever out of the bullpen. His numbers improved dramatically, as he had a 3.86 ERA and a 4.52 FIP in 30.1 innings during this time, missing about a month and a half due to injury.

After a two-week stint in Triple-A Buffalo, Francis rejoined the rotation to replace the recently traded Yusei Kikuchi, pitching 5.2 innings in a doubleheader game while giving up three earned runs. In his next start, Francis gave up two earned runs in 5.0 innings pitched before embarking on one of the most dominant runs in recent memory.

On August 12, Francis pitched seven innings against the Los Angeles Angels, striking out eight batters and giving up an earned run. In his next start, he again threw seven innings, this time scoring seven runs with no runs allowed.

His best start of his career came on August 24, when he took a no-hitter into the top of the ninth inning, striking out 12 and allowing three walks. However, a leadoff home run from the top of the ninth ended his no-hit bid.